OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

Charity registration number 1086625

Company registration number 03613893 (England and Wales)

THE DOVE SERVICE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr S W Knock
Ms S Goodall
Ms L J Goodburn
Ms C Barber
Ms M C Moore (Appointed 16 May 2023)
Ms V F Nash (Appointed 15 November
2022)
Mr C G Quayle (Appointed 16 May 2023)
Chief executive officer Ms C J O'Dell
Charity number 1086625
Company number 03613893
Registered office The Dudson Centre
Hope Street Hanley
Stoke On Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 5DD
Independent examiner Dains Audit Limited
Suite 2 Albion House
2 Etruria Office Village
Forge Lane
Stoke on Trent
ST1 5RQ
Bankers Unity Trust Bank Plc
Four Brindleyplace
Birmingham
B1 2JB

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 10
Independent examiner's report 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Summary income and expenditure account 13
Balance sheet 14
Statement of cash flows 15
Notes to the financial statements 16 - 28

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 present their annual report together with the financial statements of The Dove Service (the company) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the company qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.

Objectives and activities

"The Charitable Objectives ("Objects") are as follows:

  1. To protect and preserve through the provision of a skilled counselling service (appropriate to their individual needs) the physical and mental health of persons resident in England and Wales (and especially persons living in the County of Staffordshire) who:

  2. i. Have suffered and/or been affected by bereavement; or

  3. i. Are facing a life threatening illness; or

  4. ii. Are facing a serious life changing loss.

  5. To advance the education of the public in matters relating to:

  6. i. Grieving and bereavement;

  7. i. Life threatening illness;

  8. ii. Serious life changing loss.

The Trustees and Management team worked together to develop our Strategic plan, which we have focused on two overarching long-term goals. Firstly, stabilisation through in depth reviews of our income and structure and focusing on existing relationships and project to build on the capability of the charity. Secondly, development by creating a plan that prioritises our objectives and goals and supports the organisations’ ability to diversify, undertaking depth options analysis and examining risk.

This year we focused on stabilisation and worked towards 3 objectives:

We are now using these objectives to develop our next steps and structure an operational plan which will be communicated throughout the organisation, making it clear what role each TDS member plays in its delivery.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Activities for achieving objectives

2022-2023 continued the period of change for the organisation. We welcomed additional members to our Board of Trustees, and we're waiting for another couple of members to join in the next financial year. We focused on the delivery of recommissioned services and on stabilising the organisation post-pandemic while opportunities for additional grants and contracts remained low. We have consistently met our targets across all projects and worked in partnership with other local voluntary sector organisations.

We have continued to operate in a hybrid way, incorporating telephone and online video services across the organisation, enabling our teams to work from home or our office depending on need and preference, which is offering our members a truly flexible working arrangement to encourage better work/life balance. 8 members of our counselling team undertook a diploma course in providing online and telephone counselling, ensuring that our counsellors are appropriately qualified and able to offer our clients high quality interventions.

Activities, projects and services

Income this year reduced on last year by only 3% to £631,037, as always demonstrating the commitment of the management team, staff and trustees to driving forward the development of grant funded projects. Operating expenditure increased by 23% to £611,522 as the cost-of-living increases struck and we returned to our offices and to working peripatetically, leading to a small overall operating surplus of £19,515.

During the year, our team of counsellors have delivered over 10,300 one to one counselling sessions in support of more than 2,100 clients. 72% of our clients were referred for bereavement, 2% for life changing illness, 13% for loss related issues (including stress, anxiety or depression) and 13% for a combination of issues. We have also delivered 173 therapeutic group sessions which have supported 401 people this year and have been able to support 2,786 professionals and children/young people through training around issues relating to grief. We have also delivered awareness raising sessions or provided advice and guidance to over 5,000 people, so that they have a better understanding of grief and loss and its impact.

Our Dove Buddies groups have expanded, we’ve maintained one online group a month and have re-started our face-to-face groups and now have 6 groups running in the community covering Staffordshire and South Cheshire. The groups have grown, with an average of 10 people attending each session. These groups enable us to support people who don’t feel counselling is right for them, or who have finished counselling but want to meet with other bereaved people in a social way, providing that much needed support for those who may otherwise feel isolated or lonely.

Happily, we have been able to start recruiting placement counsellors this year and will be extending our offer in South Cheshire using our placement team. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our workforce and be part of the development of the counselling profession.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Main activities undertaken to further the charity's purposes, including for public benefit

The Trustees have carefully considered the requirement for public benefit, reporting in accordance with guidance issued by the Charities Commission.

As a result, the Trustees have satisfied themselves that the public benefit of the activities undertaken by TDS, have continued and are likely to do so in the future.

The activities of TDS which have contributed to the public benefit are summarised as follows:

all in accordance with the Charitable Objectives.

TDS counselling and support services are provided to clients across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Wirral, with expanding geographical locations through a developing network of "outreach" delivery points. The use of phone and video-conferencing counselling established during the Covid-19 pandemic has made it easier for some clients to make appointments. It has also overcome geographical constraints, for example where we did not have available counsellors in certain areas, and we plan to continue to offer this method of delivery as an option into the future.

TDS educational services are provided through information-based services and training services. Information provision includes literature and group information/ awareness sessions. Training services involve the provision of training in recognition and management of grief in any form.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities they should undertake.

Volunteers play a vital part of our organisation in two main ways, in the recruitment of placement counsellors who we are privileged to be able to support through the final stages of their counselling training, and in our Board of Trustees who volunteer their time and expertise to provide effective governance to the running of TDS. Happily, we have been able to start recruiting placement counsellors this year and will be extending our offer in South Cheshire using our placement team. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our workforce and be part of the development of the counselling profession. We have also expanded our Board of Trustees to include skills relating to finance, operations and health, rounding the expertise of the Board very positively for the benefit of the organisation.

Strategic report

The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Achievements and performance

Summary of main achievements to support our objectives:

Our three main outcomes for the year and our progress towards those is detailed below:

Reputation

Impact

Reputation

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Performance for the year

All contracts for services and grant funded projects are subject to individual targets and performance management monitoring, with quarterly or six-monthly reporting required by funders. The management team prepares monthly reports and key performance indicators to ensure that all contracts and projects are delivering as expected, and to ensure that any remedial action can be taken in the event of under or over performance.

Showing the difference that our work makes is critical and this is evidenced in a number of ways:

  1. The use of clinical assessment tools to capture therapeutic movement as a result of counselling (PHQ9, GAD7, AAG, and CORE)

  2. Pre-and post-intervention questionnaires for Children & Young People (C&YP) and their families

  3. Service user evaluations and feedback forms (adapted for C&YP, or for clients with a learning disability)

  4. Client testimonials and case studies

TDS has become known for its clinical excellence and the single most important aspect of this is the quality of our staff team who work unstintingly to ensure that services run efficiently, effectively and ethically. This includes everyone in the support functions who enable the smooth running of our venues and systems, but also in ensuring that our counsellors are highly qualified and maintain their continuing professional development. We are delighted that all of our qualified counselling team have a place on the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Register of Counsellors, and an increasing number are achieving their personal accreditation as counsellors with the BACP, recognising their experience and maturity as clinicians.

We could not achieve all that we do without the unwavering commitment to our service and clients shown by our employees, volunteers, fundraisers and trustees, and we offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who support us.

Our fundraising practices

We strongly believe that all engagement with our supporters, and any fundraising activities, should operate having regards to the highest standards, so that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. To support this commitment we have maintained our registration with the Fundraising Regulator, and operate in accordance with their Code of Practice.

We comply with the GDPR and are an ‘opt-in’ charity, (meaning that we only contact people who have given their express consent to be contacted, and who fully understand what they have opted in to).

Our fundraising activities and practices are overseen by our Chief Executive Officer to ensure that we maintain our high standards, reflect our values in everything that we do, and adhere to applicable laws and codes.

The Dove Service is committed to:

In March 2022 we were joined by a fundraising placement from HeawardSports Ltd. T/A Heaward Solutions who worked with the Dove Service 1 day a week for 12 months while she completed her professional fundraising qualification. This gave us an opportunity to explore a range of fundraising and engagement options for the charity and provided us with vital intelligence to plan for the future.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Client contributions

Wherever possible we offer our services free at the point of delivery, but are only part-funded by our contracts and grants. This makes it really important that we have the support of our clients.

In 2022-23 we received £0 in direct face-to-face client contributions.

Other donations

Our supporters have gifted us a total of £2,804 over the last 12 months. This has come from online donations and by supporters organising their own fundraising events, or participating in nationally organised events on our behalf. Amongst our supporters has been a number of current and former clients and their families and we really appreciate every contribution to the continued running of the charity.

Fundraising events

In 2022-23 we did not organise any fundraising events.

Financial review

The total income for the year ending 31 March 2023 was £631,037, and the net assets position at the end of the year was £390,269, all of which is unrestricted.

Risk Management Objectives and Policies

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The risk management reporting framework adopted by the Trustees includes the following:

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Principal risks and uncertainties

Principal financial risks, significant events and factors that have affected TDS during the year have included:

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Plans for future periods

Future proofing the charities service provision

In consequence of the ongoing levels of statutory sector cuts in funding, the Trustees have determined that the charity's reserves are kept at a satisfactory level to provide continuation funding for projects/work currently being undertaken by TDS. This provision is to protect our ability to continue to provide valued and much needed services, activities and training to our clients and customers (particularly in void income periods which arise between funding switches) as well as to provide a level of protection to our funders.

Contingency Policy

Unrestricted reserves are maintained to enable the charity to manage its ongoing cash flow position, particularly as funding terms may vary significantly between different statutory or grant funders. A designated contingency reserve has been established to permit the charity to rundown its activities and close over a period of three months in the light of any decision that may be made to cease its charitable activities. This unrestricted contingency reserve at 31 March 2023 is £160,000. Other unrestricted reserves at the balance sheet date amount to £232,154.

Restricted reserves relate to any funds provided under the terms and conditions of specific grant or trust funds. At 31st March 2023, restricted funds amounting to £NIL were held.

Future developments

We are continuing to see an increase in referrals for adults and children/young people who experienced traumatic and/or complicated grief as a result of bereavements and other significant losses during the pandemic (such as loss of school/jobs and homes, being separated from family/friends, or people who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 themselves and are trying to deal with the fear and anxiety they experienced). We have also started to see an increase in referrals for people where Covid-19 is a life-changing illness with long-term effects. We will continue to provide support to meet the needs of people of all ages affected by the pandemic as part of our community based Grief out Loud Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, and Cheshire East based counselling project funded by Cheshire East CCG.

Our new Business Plan builds on the planned and unplanned changes and challenges TDS has faced over the last few years, and incorporates a refreshed ‘organisational purpose’ and objectives in a working document which is owned by every member of the organisation working towards a common goal. This plan redefines the strategic objectives against which performance will be measured in the future.

Our learning from previous Children and Young People projects gave us the evidence to develop a project based entirely on the creation of community resilience by normalising grief and loss. We have been awarded a 5 year National Lottery Community Fund grant that will enable us to explore this way of working, taking the pressure off specialist 1:1 services and working within communities to empower parents/carers and professionals to work together with children and young people to acknowledge and normalise grief.

We will be putting our fundraising strategy into practice to investigate a range of options to raise funds for our work. We will be recruiting to our management team to include a Clinical manager who will work alongside our CEO to ensure our excellence in clinical practice for our clients across the organisation.

TDS aims to be the leading grief support service within its regions of operation through the high quality of services delivered, the calibre and professionalism of our staff, and through the use of assessment tools to clearly evidence the positive therapeutic movement (the difference we make) achieved through the delivery of counselling, therapeutic groups, awareness raising, training and other support.

We continue to be a client–led organisation, whereby our clients inform and shape the services that are delivered based upon their needs and those of their carers or relatives. We will also invest in the training and development of our staff, knowing that continuing professional development both motivates and empowers all our members to be the best they can be in their chosen career path.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

As the Board of Trustees, we acknowledge the hard work, dedication, professionalism and passion that everyone involved within TDS brings to the charity. We particularly appreciate the adaptability and commitment to evolving and developing our services that everyone has shown during this very challenging year.

It is the people within and behind the organisation that enables such high quality and consistent services to be delivered, and we thank everyone involved for all that they have done and continue to do, to ensure that we can meet the needs of our clients.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Dove Service is a charity controlled by its governing document (its Memorandum and Articles of Association), and constitutes a company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The Directors of the charitable company are Trustees for the purpose of charity law and are known collectively as the Board of Trustees.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr S W Knock

Ms S Goodall Ms L J Goodburn Ms C Barber Ms M C Moore (Appointed 16 May 2023) Ms V F Nash (Appointed 15 November 2022) Mr C G Quayle (Appointed 16 May 2023)

Method of Appointment or Election of Trustees

The election or appointment of Trustees is set out in the Articles of Association of TDS.

Decision making

The Board of Trustees of TDS meets bi-monthly and is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Board are supported by an external clinical advisor, Dr Ann Dalzell, who sits on the ethics committee of the BACP. This means she is able to share emerging thinking and best practice developments in the counselling profession and in working with grief.

A scheme of delegation is in place and day-to-day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and with the Management Team. The CEO is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services, activities and training specified and that key performance indicators are met. The CEO is also responsible for the day-to-day operational management of TDS, individual supervision of the staff and volunteer teams and for ensuring that the teams continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT AND STRATEGIC REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Policies adopted for the inductions and training of trustees

New Trustees are identified through a trustee recruitment and selection process, based on a skills matrix of roles required for the governance of the charity. They are required to serve a probationary period during which they are expected to attend an initial Board meeting as an observer, meet with the Chief Executive Officer, Charlie O’Dell and the Chair of the Board, Simon Knock, and undertake a full Trustee induction programme to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. A training and development programme for all new Trustees has been established.

Pay policy for key management personnel

The Dove Service started the financial year with a team of four managers, including the CEO, who are responsible for the performance of the charity, ensuring that all contract or grant targets are achieved and that these results are reported to respective funders. They also ensure that the charity’s activities are safe, ethical and effective for the beneficiaries in receipt of services and quality standards are maintained throughout.

The remuneration of all staff, including key management personnel is undertaken based on benchmarking remuneration against other similar services, with a view to ensuring that the best staff can be recruited and retained.

Declaration of interests

Trustees are required to declare interests that are relevant and material both at Board level and at sub-committee level and declarations are requested at each meeting. A record is maintained of all relevant and material interests by the Company Secretary and this record is available on request.

Related parties

The Dove Service operates independently and has no related party transactions.

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, and signed on the board’s behalf by:

.............................. Mr S W Knock

Trustee

01-Dec-23 | 5:39 PM GMT Date: .............................................

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE DOVE SERVICE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Dove Service (the Company) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Engalnd & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Mr A M Bridge FCA Chartered Accountant Dains Audit Limited

Suite 2 Albion House Etruria Office Village Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST1 5RQ 01-Dec-23 | 5:59 PM GMT Dated: .........................

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and
legacies
3
2,804
-
Charitable activities
4
518,755
108,596
Investments
5
882
-
Total income
522,441
108,596
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Other trading
activities
6
272
-
Raising donations
and legacies
6
3
-
275
-
Charitable activities
7
502,651
108,596
Total expenditure
502,926
108,596
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds
19,515
-
Fund balances at 1 April
2022
372,639
-
Fund balances at 31
March 2023
392,154
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
2,804
7,253
-
627,351
561,893
80,384
882
59
-
631,037
569,205
80,384
272
219
-
3
9
-
275
228
-
611,247
416,574
80,384
611,522
416,802
80,384
19,515
152,403
-
372,639
220,236
-
392,154
372,639
-		 Total
2022
£
7,253
642,277
59
649,589
219
9
228
496,958
497,186
152,403
220,236
372,639

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

All income funds
2023
£
Gross income
631,037
Total expenditure from income funds
611,522
Net income for the year
19,515		 2022
£
649,589
497,186
152,403

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

2023
Notes
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
49,025
Cash at bank and in hand
600,935
649,960
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
15
(259,691)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
19
160,000
General unrestricted funds
232,154		 2022
£
£
1,885
83,688
673,032
756,720
(386,594)
390,269
392,154
160,000
212,639
392,154
392,154		 £
2,513
370,126
372,639
372,639
372,639

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

01-Dec-23 | 5:39 PM GMT

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. Mr S W Knock Trustee

Company registration number 03613893

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
22
Investing activities
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
882		 £
(72,979)
882
-
(72,097)
673,032
600,935		 2022
£
59		 £
391,983
59
-
392,042
280,990
673,032

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Dove Service is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Dudson Centre, Hope Street Hanley, Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5DD.

The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the company.

The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are that of bereavement support.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds compromise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for a particular purpose. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Company has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of Financial Activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

Grants of a revenue nature recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the same period as the related expenditure.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment

25% on reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Financial instruments

The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Company's balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12 Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

The analysis of these costs is included in note 8.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

In determining the allocation of the expenditure between activities a detailed review of costs is undertaken by management and judgements are made in ascertaining specific costs where identifiable. For all other costs, an estimation is used on a percentage basis as determined by management.

Management have also estimated the basis for determining the allocation of expenditure between direct and support costs. Each project has been examined to derive an overall percentage basis for allocation.

3 Donations and legacies

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Donations and gifts 2,804 7,253

4 Charitable activities

Counselling
and support
Training,
workshops &
awareness
Group Support
Information,
Advice &
Guidance
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
Sales within
charitable activities
533,789
35,828
33,830
23,904
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
495,757
11,932
9,934
1,132
Restricted funds
38,032
23,896
23,896
22,772
533,789
35,828
33,830
23,904		 Total
2023
£
627,351
518,755
108,596
627,351		 Total
2022
£
642,277
561,893
80,384
642,277

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Counselling
and support
Training,
workshops &
awareness
Group Support
Information,
Advice &
Guidance
£
£
£
£
Sales within charitable activities
561,352
32,318
26,916
21,691
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
527,594
11,168
9,431
13,700
Restricted funds
33,758
21,150
17,485
7,991
561,352
32,318
26,916
21,691		 Total
2022
£
642,277
561,893
80,384
642,277

5 Investments

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable 882 59
Raising funds
**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Other trading activities
Fundraising trading expenses 272 219
Raising donations and legacies
Interest payable and similar charges 3 9
275 228

6 Raising funds

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 Charitable activities

Counselling
and support
Training
workshops
&
awareness
2023
2023
£
£
Staff costs
359,038
25,609
Rent
21,042
877
Light and heat
1,058
352
Telephone
2,880
103
Postage and stationary
251
56
Sundries
315
198
Computer costs
4,694
196
Professional fees
6,718
149
Repairs and
maintenance
2,748
1,246
Photocopying and
consumables
481
64
Training
80
4,687
Travel and counselling
costs
12,760
2,439
Bank charges
505
1
Cleaning
2,421
2
Recruitment and
induction
-
-
414,991
35,979
Share of support costs
(see note 8)
85,795
5,683
Share of governance
costs (see note 8)
3,548
52
504,334
41,714
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
466,302
17,818
Restricted funds
38,032
23,896
504,334
41,714		 Group
support
Information,
advice &
guidance
2023
2023
£
£
28,563
12,704
619
413
267
178
76
51
56
35
122
68
177
118
326
94
1,166
777
64
42
120
80
3,407
6,956
1
1
2
1
-
-
34,966
21,518
5,535
3,101
51
28
40,552
24,647
16,656
1,875
23,896
22,772
40,552
24,647		 Total
2023
£
425,914
22,951
1,855
3,110
398
703
5,185
7,287
5,937
651
4,967
25,562
508
2,426
-
507,454
100,114
3,679
611,247
502,651
108,596
611,247		 Total
2022
£
345,117
19,729
2,839
3,428
72
306
6,442
512
2,062
1,038
3,387
15,043
63
551
1,365
401,954
91,673
3,331
496,958
416,574
80,384
496,958

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Counselling
and support
Training
workshops
&
awareness
£
£
Staff costs
285,169
21,488
Rent
17,367
1,028
Light and heat
1,927
342
Telephone
2,778
325
Postage and stationary
63
6
Sundries
137
55
Computer costs
6,085
221
Professional fees
326
72
Repairs and maintenance
2,062
-
Photocopying and consumables
579
222
Training
375
2,532
Travel and counselling costs
(1,825)
6,956
Bank charges
57
2
Cleaning
551
-
Recruitment and induction
849
226
316,500
33,475
Share of support costs (see note 8)
77,902
5,393
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
2,938
154
397,340
39,022
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
363,582
17,872
Restricted funds
33,758
21,150
397,340
39,022		 Group
support
Information,
advice &
guidance
£
£
20,597
17,863
886
448
342
228
244
81
2
1
59
55
87
49
84
30
-
-
172
65
360
120
5,572
4,340
2
2
-
-
193
97
28,600
23,379
4,662
3,716
133
106
33,395
27,201
15,911
19,209
17,484
7,992
33,395
27,201		 Total
2022
£
345,117
19,729
2,839
3,428
72
306
6,442
512
2,062
1,038
3,387
15,043
63
551
1,365
401,954
91,673
3,331
496,958
416,574
80,384
496,958

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Support costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Rent
Telephone
Postage, stationary and
consumables
Cleaning and sundries
Computer costs
Professional fees
Recruitment costs and
training
Repairs and
maintenance
Bank charges
Travel and counselling
costs
Accountancy
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
82,491
-
628
-
3,099
-
324
-
-
-
6,721
-
711
-
3,372
-
225
-
1,476
-
41
-
1,026
-
-
3,679
100,114
3,679
100,114
3,679		 2023
£
82,491
628
3,099
324
-
6,721
711
3,372
225
1,476
41
1,026
3,679
103,793
103,793		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
75,398
-
838
-
6,447
-
(160)
-
10
-
1,874
-
4,731
-
4,150
-
1,779
-
805
-
718
-
(4,917)
-
-
3,331
91,673
3,331
91,673
3,331		 2022
£
75,398
838
6,447
(160)
10
1,874
4,731
4,150
1,779
805
718
(4,917)
3,331
95,004
95,004

Governance costs includes payments to the accountants of £3,679 (2022 £3,331) for Independent Examination fees.

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Company during the year.

At the date of this report and during the period a third party trustee indemnity policy was in force for the benefit of all of the trustees.

During the year ended 31 March 2023, there were no expenses paid to trustees (2022 £Nil).

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Charitable activities
Management and administration of charity
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
17
7
24
2023
£
466,289
28,730
13,386
508,405		 2022
Number
25
6
31
2022
£
387,486
21,712
11,317
420,515

The total amount of employee benefits received by the company's key management personnel was £114,451 (2022 £118,509). No benefit in kind are received by any members of the key management team.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Independant examiner's remuneration

The Independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an £3,679 (2022 £3,331).

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2022
At 31 March 2023
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
16
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Plant and equipment
£
17,375
17,375
14,862
628
15,490
1,885
2,513
2023
2022
£
£
40,344
67,993
8,681
15,695
49,025
83,688
2023
2022
£
£
8,094
7,791
240,089
367,076
1,497
1,893
4,066
2,635
5,945
7,199
259,691
386,594		 Plant and equipment
£
17,375
17,375
14,862
628
15,490
1,885
2,513
2023
2022
£
£
40,344
67,993
8,681
15,695
49,025
83,688
2023
2022
£
£
8,094
7,791
240,089
367,076
1,497
1,893
4,066
2,635
5,945
7,199
259,691
386,594
17,375
14,862
628
15,490
1,885
2,513
2022
£
67,993
15,695
83,688
2022
£
7,791
367,076
1,893
2,635
7,199
386,594

Creditors include £240,089 (2022 £367,076) of income which has been deferred into the following year due to the timing of the company's entitlement to the income.

Included in deferred income is £124,475 (2022 £248,951) relating to the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust grant (see note 16).

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

16 Deferred income

2023 2022
£ £
Arising from Deferred income 240,089 367,076

During the year, the Charity received the following government grants:

National Lottery Community Fund RC Midlands Region (Grief Out Loud)

A grant was awarded in October 2021 relating to a 5 year project supporting families in North Staffordshire, Cheshire and Wirral. During the year £79,653 (2022 £21,631) has been recognised as income in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT)

A grant was awarded in March 2022 relating to emergency funding to support the requirement for additional counsellors. During the year £142,528 (2022 £35,565) has been recognised as income in the Statement of Financial Activities.

There are no unfulfilled conditions or other contingencies attached to the grant noted above.

Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:

2023
£
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
240,089
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2022
367,076
Released from previous periods
(367,076)
Resources deferred in the year
240,089
Deferred income at 31 March 2023
240,089		 2022
£
367,076
95,206
(95,206)
367,076
367,076

17 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £13,386 (2022 - £11,317).

Contributions totalling £2,635 (2022 £2,212) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Incoming Resources Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
resources expended 1 April 2022 resources expended 31 March 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Drake hall 22,102 (22,102) - 22,102 (22,102) -
BBC Children in Need,
Cheshire 36,652 (36,652) - - - -
The National Lottery
Community Fund - RC
Midlands Region (Grief out
loud) 21,631 (21,631) - 79,653 (79,653) -
Digital inclusion - - - 6,842 (6,842) -
80,385 (80,385) - 108,597 (108,597) -

Drake Hall

This funds the provision of specialist counselling support to residents.

BBC Children in Need, NS/Wirral C&YP

Bereavement support to children, young people and their families across Stoke on Trent and Wirral.

Digital Inclusion

A partnership project encouraging access to the use of digital technologies in the support of people's health and wellbeing. Delivered in partnership with Staffordshire University.

The National Lottery Community Fund RC Midlands Region (Grief Out Loud)

A community based project aiming to normalise grief, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, RC Midlands Region.

19 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Movement Movement
in funds in funds
Balance at Incoming Balance at Incoming
Balance at
1 April 2021 resources 1 April 2022 resources 31 March 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Contingency Fund 160,000 - 160,000 - 160,000
160,000 - 160,000 - 160,000

Contingency Fund

The Trustees have determined (in accordance with good risk management practice) to maintain a designated contingency fund to permit the charity to rundown its activities and close over a period of three months after a decision to cease its charitable activities.

DocuSign Envelope ID: A4AB36A9-2BCF-44AC-808A-56B83E8B8625

THE DOVE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

19 Designated funds

(Continued)

20 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the Company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
3,600
7,200
10,800		 2022
£
3,600
10,800
14,400

21 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

22 Cash generated from operations

22
Cash generated from operations
2023
£
Surplus for the year
19,512
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(882)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
631
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
34,663
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
84
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income
(126,987)
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(72,979)
23
Analysis of changes in net funds
The Company had no debt during the year.		 2022
£
152,394
(59)
847
(35,445)
(92,830)
367,076
391,983